An evaluation of the feasibility, value and impact of using participatory modelling to inform the development of a regional system dynamics model for youth suicide prevention

Abstract

Background: Suicide remains a leading cause of death for young Australians. We need robust analytical tools to help us understand and respond to the dynamic complexity underlying suicide and suicidal behaviour. Participatory systems modelling leverages empirical data together with the experiential knowledge of stakeholders to inform model building, evaluation, and implementation. Efforts to evaluate collaborative deliberative processes such as participatory system modelling remain sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, value and impact of adopting a participatory systems modelling approach for developing a youth suicide prevention system dynamics model in North-West M..